If you have been hunting for that perfect Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe to elevate your weeknight dinners or steal the show at your next gathering, you are in the right place. This dish is all about achieving that irresistible golden crunch on the outside while preserving a soft, fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. The magic starts by boiling Russet potatoes with a pinch of baking soda, setting the stage for that signature crispy texture. Tossed with fragrant garlic and earthy thyme, then roasted to perfection, these potatoes are comfort food at its absolute finest. Whether you serve them as a side or a snack, this Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe proves that simplicity can lead to spectacular flavors. Each element plays a pivotal role, from the hearty Russet potatoes providing that tender base to the olive oil creating a luscious, crisp coating. The garlic and thyme infuse the potatoes with aromatic depth, while the baking soda works its magic to ensure maximum crunch every single time.
- Russet potatoes (3 pounds): Ideal for roasting due to their starchy texture which crisps beautifully.
- Kosher salt (3 teaspoons, divided): Enhances natural flavors and seasons perfectly at different stages.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps break down the potato surface for ultra-crispiness when roasted.
- Olive oil (1/3 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the potatoes evenly while keeping them moist.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Brings warm, savory notes that complement the potatoes’ mild taste.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Optional toppings – chopped parsley and lemon juice: Provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich and crispy potatoes.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes with a Boil
Start by heating a large pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil. Add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt along with the baking soda. The baking soda is a secret weapon here; it raises the pH of the water and gently breaks down the edges of the potatoes, setting you up for that mouthwatering crunch later.
Step 2: Achieve Tenderness with a Quick Boil
Carefully add your cut Russet potatoes into the boiling water and let them cook just until fork tender—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You don’t want them fully cooked, just softened slightly to maintain their shape but prepare them for roasting.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven to the Perfect Temperature
While the potatoes are boiling, set your oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is essential to develop crispy edges and a golden finish on the potatoes as they roast.
Step 4: Coat Potatoes with Olive Oil and Garlic
Once drained, toss the potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil and freshly minced garlic. This step infuses the potatoes with rich flavor right before roasting and helps the spices stick to each piece.
Step 5: Arrange and Season for Roasting
Spread the potatoes out evenly on a large sheet pan, making sure there’s space between each piece so they roast, not steam. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of salt and the dried thyme over the top, seasoning every bite with an herbal, savory touch.
Step 6: Roast for the First Round
Pop the potatoes into the oven and roast for 30 minutes. This gives them time to start crisping and developing a golden color while the garlic and thyme deepen their flavor.
Step 7: Flip and Finish Roasting to Crispy Perfection
Take the baking sheet out and use a spatula to carefully scrape up and flip each potato piece. This flipping is crucial to ensure all sides become evenly crispy and brown. Return the potatoes to the oven and roast for another 20 to 25 minutes until they look irresistibly golden and crisp.
Step 8: Serve Hot with Optional Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, serve your Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe immediately. For an extra pop of brightness, sprinkle with chopped parsley and a splash of fresh lemon juice. This elevates the dish with fresh, vibrant flavors that beautifully balance the rich, roasted aroma.
How to Serve Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice transforms these crispy potatoes into something truly special. The parsley adds a fresh herbal note that wakes up each bite, while lemon juice cuts through the richness, making every forkful refreshing and lively.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of main dishes. Think perfectly roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty vegetable stew. Their crispy texture makes them a comforting yet versatile side that complements both casual dinners and elegant meals alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these potatoes tossed with freshly grated Parmesan or alongside a bowl of your favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or herbed yogurt dip. Presenting them in a rustic cast iron skillet garnished with fresh herbs also turns the dish into an inviting centerpiece at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep as much crispiness as possible, avoid stacking them tightly and let the potatoes cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
While freezing roasted potatoes can sometimes affect their texture, you can freeze them if needed. Flash freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind they are best reheated and consumed soon after thawing.
Reheating
To revive their crunch, reheat the leftover Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to soften them and reduce that much-loved crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content and ability to crisp up nicely, you can experiment with Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a waxier bite. Just keep in mind the cooking time and crispness may vary slightly.
Why do you add baking soda to the boiling water?
Baking soda raises the pH level of the water, which softens the potato surfaces and helps break down the outer layer. This process makes it easier to get that fantastic crispy crust when the potatoes roast in the oven.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it only uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and garlic. It’s a perfect side dish for plant-based meals or anyone wanting a delicious vegan comfort food option.
What if I don’t have dried thyme?
You can substitute dried thyme with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or even a handful of fresh herbs if you prefer. Each will lend a different but equally delightful flavor profile to the potatoes.
How do I make sure the potatoes come out crispy every time?
Key factors include boiling with baking soda, roasting at a high temperature, spacing the potatoes out on the baking sheet to avoid steaming, and flipping halfway through roasting. These steps create consistent, golden crispiness every time.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like biting into a batch of golden, perfectly crispy roasted potatoes, and this Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe delivers that nostalgic comfort food moment with ease and elegance. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight meal or preparing a feast, give this recipe a try. Once you experience how delicious and simple it is to achieve the perfect crisp, these potatoes will soon become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.
Print
Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Roasted Potatoes are perfectly golden and flavorful, achieved by parboiling with baking soda and then roasting with garlic and thyme. A simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
Seasoning and Toppings
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional topping – chopped parsley, lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring water to boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the water to help soften the potatoes and create a crispy exterior when roasted.
- Parboil the potatoes: Add the cut potatoes to the boiling water and cook until just fork tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps achieve a soft interior and crisp outside.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit (about 210 degrees Celsius) to prepare for roasting.
- Drain and coat potatoes: Drain the parboiled potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil and minced garlic, then stir well to evenly coat all potato pieces.
- Arrange and season: Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on a large sheet pan, leaving space between pieces to allow for crisping. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and the dried thyme for flavor.
- Initial roasting: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to start browning and crisping the outside.
- Flip and continue roasting: Remove the potatoes from the oven and use a spatula to gently scrape and flip them over to ensure even crispiness. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness and brightness.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- The baking soda in the boiling water breaks down the potato’s surface, promoting extra crispiness.
- Use a large sheet pan and leave space between potatoes to avoid steaming.
- Adjust salt amount according to your taste preference.
- Optional toppings like parsley and lemon juice add fresh flavors that complement the rich roasted potatoes.
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture which yields the crispiest results.
